Science lessons set for take-off as Cymoedd lecturer explores world experimentation hub

Access to HE and BTEC physics learners in the Valleys can look forward to even more thrilling science lessons as their lecturer returns from a fascinating trip to the world famous scientific centre which seeks the answer to how our universe was created.

Anthony Mitchell, a Physics lecturer at Coleg y Cymoedd visited the prestigious CERN centre in Switzerland, home of the Large Hadron Collider – the multi-billion pound machine which simulates the moment following the ‘Big Bang’.

Anthony, from Newport, was chosen as one of 24 teachers from across Wales to visit CERN to explore further research into particle physics. While there, Anthony attended lectures about the facilities at CERN from the scientists and engineers who work there, as well as talks on the application of particle physics technology.

Based on the Nantgarw campus, Anthony’s experiences at CERN are set to make his lessons even more enjoyable for the Access to HE & BTEC physics learners on site. Having already revised his teaching plan for this year to include new information picked up at CERN, Anthony is also planning a talk about the trip for both staff and learners, hoping to inspire them to take a further interest in science.  

What’s more, the 24 teachers who went on the trip are aiming to create a ‘knowledge network’ which will share and develop resources with other science teachers in Wales to use in the future.   

Speaking about his trip, Anthony said: “Being able to visit CERN and see they work they are doing at the cutting edge of particle physics is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a privilege to represent Coleg y Cymoedd on the trip.  

“The technology that is coming out of the work CERN does is huge. It is where the internet was created, where the Higgs Boson was discovered and new medical treatments involving proton beams were developed. It is a truly unique institution and I hope I can share everything I picked up there with the learners at Coleg y Cymoedd.”

The visit supports the Welsh Government’s Focus on Science campaign, designed to get more young people interested in pursuing scientific careers. 

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